St.Michaels Waterville church window restoration

Donation protected

Following use of St.Michales church for Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival in 2011, it was decided that if St.Michaels didn't receive essential repairs and restorations, the church could face closure.

In 2011, Albert Walsh Chair of Charlie Chaplin festival and IRD, Rev.Michael Cavanagh for Church Ireland in Kenmare and Diramid Williams for the small church congregation planned to fix the collapsing vestry floor, repair the entrance door and with the hands-on help of the community, clear the overgrown cemetery.

Almost 10 years and c.€150,000 later the church has been restored and re-developed and almost ready for use as an events and exhibition venue, a local heritage centre and for community and for weddings while maintaining church consecration.

There are too many to thank for these achievements to date, save mentioning IRD CLG, LEADER, SKDP and so much help and support from home and abroad.

The last main works in the project are the Nave window restorations.

We are grateful for sponsorship for 5 of the 6 steel windows so badly in need of restoration.

The most competitive tender price was a local metal engineering company subcontracting a local glass specialist, both are vastly experienced in their specialist fields.

This appeal is that the Waterville community become the sponsor of the last remaining window. €1450 is 25% of the restoration cost of one unit which we want to dedicate to community support.

This project, as well as preserving this iconic village church and church tradition in Waterville, will on it's fruition, be a fantastic additional asset and potential for both local and visitor as well as for commerce and events in Waterville.

Anyone interested in involvement in any of the proposed aspect of the project, let us know.

For queries please contact Albert Walsh or myself Rev.Michael Cavanagh.

Every blessing Michael,

There are prizes offered by supporters for a draw for those donating any amount to this appeal.

1. Two night stay in The Lake Hotel Killarney
2. Meal for two in the Smugglers Restaurant Waterville.
3. €100 voucher for Walsh’s SuperValu, Cahersiveen.

Lastly any surplus funds generated will go to paying for small Kitchen and fit out of new toilet extension, and heritage center fit out for next spring.